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Blame it on the rain.

Even though we escaped stifling temperatures on Saturday, a downpour — and no doubt the forecast for storms — apparently kept attendance down for the 2010 Hanover Tomato Festival.

Last year, Mechanicsville’s largest one-day event, saw a record-breaking 42,000 people fill into Pole Green Park. Blue skies, temperatures in the 80s and a nice breeze welcomed festival-goers in 2009.

This year, however, was another story. Mother Nature had really been bringing on the heat — in the form of triple-digit numbers — for a few weeks. Sweltering temperatures seemed to be an early concern — that is, until the possibility of rain came into the picture.

While much needed, the arrival of rain did not put a damper on the excitement. Those who came out obviously enjoyed the food, vendors, games, activities and entertainment.

From the time the Hanover Concert Band delighted the audience in the main stage area with a variety of favorites until the final tomato of the day was sold under a big tent in the center of the park, this year’s Tomato Festival brought to Mechanicsville the kind of experience we have come to expect. Simply put, a good time was had by all.

Many festival-goers came prepared with umbrellas — and when the clouds opened up, there were no grumblings or frowns. Many waited it out under the tent at the main stage (where the Little Miss and Tiny Miss Tomato Festival Pageant winners had just been announced) and then returned to roaming about the grounds in search of tasty treats, great retail items and fun for all ages.

Thanks to the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department for starting a true county tradition. Thanks also to the Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department, The Herald-Progress and your very own Mechanicsville Local for bringing us a great and memorable day.

Now it’s time to start planning for the 2011 edition.